南傳上座部佛教的藝術表現，除了有崇奉、弘法與修行的目的之外，也融入地方的風土民情以及其他宗教信仰、政治、社會的影響，尤其王朝建立後，在位國王對於佛教的護持至為關鍵，例如廣造佛塔僧寺、塑造佛像、壁畫等，皆對南傳佛教藝術的傳播發展助益匪淺。此次展出的典藏文物，來自緬甸、泰國與柬埔寨地區，西元13至20世紀時期作品，以釋迦牟尼佛造像為主，其次是僧侶、民間神靈、器物等，呈現出當地的造像特色與風格，藉此初步認識南傳佛教，也能近距離感受那份真切樸實，貼近常民的生活美學。

中文語音導覽

In addition to functional purposes of religious worship, ceremony, and teaching, the artistic forms of Theravada Buddhism also incorporate elements of local culture, as well as other religious, political and social influences--especially after the founding of a dynasty. The ruling king was very important to expression of Buddhism, deciding on the building of Buddhist temples and the creation of statues and murals, all of which aided in the spread and development of Theravada Buddhist art. This collection includes pieces from Burma, Thailand and Cambodia dating from the 13th to the 20th centuries. The majority are images of the Sakyamuni Buddha, followed by monks, folk spirits, and other images. Through the local vernacular artistic styles and forms, the viewer gets a close perspective into the daily life and aesthetic of common people while gradually becoming aware of the common aesthetic characteristics of Theravada Buddhism.

English Audio Guide